Beach not worried about typecasting

Proud of Heritage, SuccessYou know Adam Beach. From Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers." From John Woo's "Windtalkers." From "Smoke Signals." And soon from "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee." So isn't he fearful of getting typed in Native American roles?

"No. I don't want to stay away from Indian roles. I want always to show Indians are a part of all stages of society. Like everyone else they're actors, doctors, lawyers, carpenters, hockey players. It is my responsibility to expose the fact that we are like everyone else. If not for me, maybe nobody would believe an Indian could make it to this level of success."Comment:  Interesting implications in Cindy Adams's question. Can one be typecast playing a member of a particular race? Even if that race has millions of past and present members? Who have fulfilled every role in society from chief, warrior, and priest to butcher, baker, and candlestick maker?

Adams seems to imply that Indians fill only certain roles in society--e.g., historical figures and wise elders who spout spiritual platitudes. But that says more about Hollywood and Adams than it does about Native actors. Who's offering these actors nontraditional roles...anyone?